Eni and Shell on trial in Italy over Nigeria 'corruption'

Two global oil giants, Eni and Shell, are to stand trial in Italy over allegations of corruption in Nigeria. The companies are also facing charges in Nigeria over the case, which concerns Nigeria's OPL-245 - an offshore oilfield estimated to hold 9bn barrels of crude oil - secured by Shell and Eni in 2011. Emails sent between Shell management, which were released by Global Witness in April, suggest Shell was aware the money would end up in the pockets of Nigerian politicians. As well as the two corporations, key individuals in the companies are facing charges including Eni's CEO Claudio Descalzi and former Shell executive Malcolm Brinded. A Shell statement said it was confident that nothing illegal had occurred, adding: "We believe the trial judges will conclude that there is no case against Shell or its former employees."